Can Ear Wax Removal Cause Temporary Hearing Loss? Expert Insights
Hearing impairment issues? I went to see an ENT specialist to have my earwax removed, and they used a special suction tool that cleaned it out immediately. However, during one visit, the doctor used a very small air suction device to remove the earwax. The airflow created a loud ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, earwax can sometimes adhere to the eardrum, and at that point, the physician can only perform suctioning near the eardrum. Generally speaking, brief suctioning should not cause hearing loss.[Read More] Can Ear Wax Removal Cause Temporary Hearing Loss? Expert Insights
Understanding Tinnitus After Ear Trauma: What You Need to Know
Tinnitus? On April 30th, I was hit in the ear by a classmate, and I still have tinnitus. I went to see an ENT doctor, who said my eardrum was intact. However, he asked me if the sound of the tinnitus was a "weng" sound or an "ying" sound. I said "weng,&qu...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, although your eardrum is not perforated, it is still advisable to visit a hospital for a hearing test. If necessary, further examinations may be required. Early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of recovery. Additionally, after an e...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Ear Trauma: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Ear Hello, Dr. Hsu. In the past few months, I've occasionally felt a slight itch in my ears, so I used a cotton swab to clean them. I noticed that when I touch my left ear, it produces popping sounds or sounds similar to crinkling plastic. Any movement of the cotton swab cau...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Please don't worry; most of these unusual sounds are caused by small earwax moving across the surface of the eardrum. Some patients even experience this when changing body positions (such as getting out of bed). It can be quite uncomfortable, and you can visit a specialist t...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor
Ear problems What could be the reasons for pus discharge from the ear? Is it due to ear inflammation or a ruptured eardrum? What should be done about it? Is surgery necessary? What could happen if someone with pus discharge from the ear does not see a doctor? When cleaning the ea...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
The presence of discharge in the ear canal does not necessarily indicate otitis media; it could simply be external otitis. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a trusted specialist. You don't need to overly worry about issues that are visible or not; assessing these is one ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Please ask your question? 1. Is it normal for the ear to discharge pus that has an unpleasant odor and is sticky? What causes pus to flow from the ear? Could it be due to a ruptured eardrum or an ear infection? 2. When cleaning the ears, can you see the very inside of the ear, o...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: There are many possible causes; it is not definitive. A2: The external auditory canal can be visualized using an otoscope or endoscope. A3: It is generally recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for examination and management based on the specific...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Managing Ear Discharge: Safe Practices and Home Remedies
Ear problems If a doctor finds that there is dried pus in the ear, is it advisable to use a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil? Also, can a menthol ointment be applied? What should be done after the pus has dried in the ear? My friend goes to a hair salon where the owner helps cli...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hydrogen peroxide can essentially be considered a type of disinfectant. It is commonly used to soften hard earwax in the external auditory canal, but it is important to remove it immediately and rinse with clean water. However, it is not recommended for patients with a perforated...[Read More] Managing Ear Discharge: Safe Practices and Home Remedies
Understanding Dizziness and Balance Issues Related to Ear Infections
Dizziness and Balance Hello doctor, I have been experiencing ear inflammation for a long time. Recently, I have taken anti-inflammatory medication for a week, which has improved my dizziness symptoms, but I still feel heavy-headed, unsteady on my feet, and have visual disturbance...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology outpatient department for further consultation and, if necessary, arrange for examinations. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Balance Issues Related to Ear Infections
How Long Does Tinnitus Last After Ossicular Reconstruction Surgery?
Will tinnitus persist for a long time after ossicular reconstruction? Hello Doctor: I noticed tinnitus at the beginning of January this year, and despite undergoing tympanostomy and laser treatment, there has been no improvement. In early August, I had surgery for further examina...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Many patients clinically experience tinnitus after surgery, which can be a persistent source of distress. In fact, most cases of postoperative tinnitus are related to damage in the inner ear, and these injuries are often associated with the underlying disease itself. In other wor...[Read More] How Long Does Tinnitus Last After Ossicular Reconstruction Surgery?
Understanding Earwax, Tinnitus, and When to See an ENT Specialist
Ear, tinnitus, earwax? Hello doctor, my ear has been feeling strange for two weeks. I previously saw a doctor who said there was earwax on my eardrum and gave me a bottle of ear drops to dissolve the earwax, instructing me to use it twice a day, two drops each time. I used it for...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
Hello, A-Kun: I apologize for the delayed response due to my extended leave. Based on your description, it seems that the tinnitus may be caused by earwax blockage, and removing the earwax should resolve the issue. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Earwax, Tinnitus, and When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding Ear Issues: Symptoms and Recovery After Loud Noises
Issues related to the ear? Hello, doctor. Yesterday after school, I was playing with a classmate who held a bowl of instant noodles with the opening facing my left ear and then hit the bottom of the bowl hard, making a loud noise. After that, my left ear felt strange; it feels a ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, you may be experiencing acoustic trauma, where loud sounds have damaged your eardrum or inner ear. Such injuries typically last for several days, although a minority of individuals may experience persistent symptoms. If possible, you may want to visit a hosp...[Read More] Understanding Ear Issues: Symptoms and Recovery After Loud Noises
Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: After a perforated eardrum heals, can abnormal middle ear pressure be improved? Does hearing loss or a previous eardrum perforation affect the function of the Eustachian tube? If the function has not changed, is there a way to imp...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Strictly speaking, after surgery for otitis media, the pressure in the middle ear does not necessarily return to normal, as the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects to the nasopharynx, may not be restored. Of course, some patients experience improvement in Eustachian t...[Read More] Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Can Tinnitus Improve After Eardrum Repair? Expert Insights
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a situation where the eardrum has ruptured and has healed, but there is still persistent tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat. The noise becomes louder during quiet or noisy environments to the point of ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
After surgery for otitis media, some patients may still experience lingering effects from the previous inflammation, such as hearing impairment or tinnitus, which are quite common in outpatient settings. However, you mentioned being able to hear your own heartbeat and experiencin...[Read More] Can Tinnitus Improve After Eardrum Repair? Expert Insights
Understanding Hearing Loss from Sneezing: Symptoms and Causes
Hearing impairment Hello: Covering your mouth and nose while sneezing may cause hearing loss. In such cases, is hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms? What are those symptoms?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Based on your description, when sneezing, it is advisable to cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief rather than pinching your nose with your fingers, as the latter may cause barotrauma to the eardrum, leading to hearing impairment. Typical symptoms of hear...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss from Sneezing: Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Hearing deterioration Hello, what are the causes of hearing degradation that can lead to impairment? I underwent a pure tone audiometry test, which showed mild high-frequency degradation in my left ear with a hearing threshold of 40 decibels, and mild low-frequency degradation in...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, High-frequency hearing loss is considered a normal aging phenomenon, while low-frequency loss varies from person to person. Hearing impairment can be categorized based on the location of the pathological changes into "conductive hearing loss" and "...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Ear Noises and Hearing Issues: Common ENT Concerns
Ear problems Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you two questions: 1. I have noticed that when I sleep on my right side, I hear a "ticking" sound in my ear. At first, I thought there was something in my ear, but there isn't. The sound only occurs when I sleep on ...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
It is recommended to seek a detailed examination and treatment from an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises and Hearing Issues: Common ENT Concerns
Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Ear problems Dear Doctor, Ever since a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner mistakenly pushed my jaw upwards in a way that I believe caused a dislocation, I have been experiencing strange sounds in my ears when I swallow without opening my mouth. These sounds are mostly ex...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
You should maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up too late, and not overexert yourself. A dropped jaw is simply a temporomandibular joint dislocation; just be cautious and it shouldn't happen again. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Ear Infections: Laser Treatment and Smoking Impact
Middle ear inflammation laser tympanostomy? I would like to ask the doctor about my tinnitus, which has persisted for over a month. Previously, I underwent tympanocentesis and took medication; my middle ear inflammation has been gradually improving. However, during my follow-up v...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if you have issues with your middle ear, it is advisable not to smoke, as the inhaled smoke can potentially enter the middle ear cavity through the Eustachian tube, leading to more severe problems in the middle ear or even the inner ear.[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections: Laser Treatment and Smoking Impact
Understanding Ear Injuries from Impact: Symptoms and Safe Cleaning Tips
Ear trauma? Hello: I sustained an impact to my ear while playing basketball. May I ask: 1. What symptoms may occur if the ear is injured due to the impact? 2. What is the safe way to clean earwax?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, the most common symptom after an ear impact is localized pain. As for safe methods of earwax removal, it should be determined based on the condition of the ear canal. It is best to avoid injuring the ear canal and eardrum, or to cho...[Read More] Understanding Ear Injuries from Impact: Symptoms and Safe Cleaning Tips
Managing Ear Drum Bleeding: Tips for Safe Air Travel
Tympanic membrane hemorrhage? Hello, doctor. I have a situation where I experience tinnitus more easily than others when traveling by car, and while others can equalize their ears, it takes me some time. Previously, after flying, I had a very painful experience; upon landing, I d...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more like a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. There are many causes for Eustachian tube dysfunction, and I recommend that you see an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination. If you experience extreme discomfort in your ears every t...[Read More] Managing Ear Drum Bleeding: Tips for Safe Air Travel
Can Eardrum Puncture Surgery Alleviate Ear Pain During Flights?
Tympanostomy surgery? Although I have poor Eustachian tube function, I usually do not have problems in daily life. However, I often experience severe tinnitus and pain when flying, which is quite bothersome. Would undergoing a tympanostomy (ear tube surgery) help alleviate the pa...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
If you have poor Eustachian tube function, it's important to consult a specialist for proper treatment. I do not recommend undergoing tympanostomy. Thank you.[Read More] Can Eardrum Puncture Surgery Alleviate Ear Pain During Flights?